Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (UAE) – Etihad Aviation Group (EAG), a diversified global aviation and travel group headquartered in Abu Dhabi, today debuts its engaging and multifunctional booth under the theme of “Embracing China, Expanding Partnership” at the First China International Import Expo (CIIE) at the National Exhibition and Conventional Centre in Shanghai.

The CIIE, the biggest import
trade show in China, which is being held from 5th to 10th
November, aims at gathering government officials, business communities,
exhibitors and professional purchasers from across the world, and providing new
channels for countries and regions to do business, strengthening cooperation
and promoting the prosperity of global economics and trade.

Etihad Aviation Group, one
of the key enterprises from the United Arab Emirates, participates in the CIIE
as an exhibitor with a dedicated stand covering more than 100 square meters at
the Trade in Services sector in the Business Pavilion area. For the first time,
Etihad Aviation Group will exhibit its various business divisions to Chinese
and international customers, including: award-winning passenger and cargo
services and products; state-of-the-art aviation training facilities for pilots
and crew; industry-leading aircraft maintenance and engineering solutions; full
event and leisure planning services by its destination management division, and
much more.

Tony Douglas, Etihad
Aviation Group Chief Executive Officer, said: “China is a strategically
important market for Etihad. We have steadily and sustainably grown our
presence in this country since we first entered the market in 2008. Currently,
we operate daily flights between Abu Dhabi and China’s four main gateways –
Beijing, Chengdu, Shanghai and Hong Kong –and dedicated 777 freighter services
between Abu Dhabi and two key trading ports in China: Shanghai and Hong Kong.”

China is the key trading
partner of the UAE with non-oil trade expected to rise more than 9 percent in
2018 to US$58 billion. Abu Dhabi’s non-oil trade also shows that China is among
the top-five countries with key trade relations with the emirate.

“By leveraging the solid
experiences in China and sound relationships with local partners nurtured
through our airline business over the past 10 years, we are confident our other
business functions will do just as well in this market under the mentality of
“Embracing China, Expanding Partnership”, and thus bringing mutual benefits to
our existing and potential partners. We are keen to expand our global footprint
together with them,” Mr. Douglas added.

Ahmed
Al Qubaisi, Senior Vice President, Government and International Affairs, Etihad
Aviation Group, said: “Etihad
Airways demonstrated strong leadership and commitment during Chinese President
Xi’s visit to the UAE in July by organizing a series of cultural and commercial
activities to celebrate our ties with China, one of the most important markets
on Etihad’s global network.”

“Participating in the First
CIIE and showcasing the comprehensive offerings across various business
functions demonstrates again our determination for further development in
China,” added Mr. Al Qubaisi.

EAG’s stand at the CIIE will
act as an important supplement to the UAE Government Booth at the National
Pavilion to exemplify the strong commitment and support from the Abu Dhabi
government for this significant initiative.

According to the CIIE, about
2,800 companies from more than 130 countries and regions will showcase products
to an estimated 150,000 buyers at this 6-day event.